Author Archives: David Haslam, UK

These are my notes for a recent class given, In ISKCON’s incorporating document, Srila Prabhupada imparts the “Seven Purposes of ISKCON”: (1) To systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large and to educate all peoples in the techniques of spiritual life in order to check the imbalance of values in life and to achieve […]

As some of you may have noted on occasions their is postings to my blog by other devotees as a contribution, some of which has been directly attributable to myself, this posting is meant to open up a discussion; although some may inevitably view it as an attack (perception is individual and according to viewpoint […]

During my last few visits to The Manor I’ve had the privilege of sitting in on some amazing young bhakta’s giving their first Gita class. Their humility and sincerity was beautiful and their realisation from their short time staying at The Manor was for me personally very humbling. Although the classes were short the discussion […]

Vicaru Das WTSP–Harinam Ruci . In the port of Calcutta on August 13,1965; carrying only a small suitcase, an umbrella and a bag of dry cereal A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami as he was known at the time climbed up the steep gangway onto a cargo ship named the Jaladuta. The ensuing journey presented considerable hardship, Srila […]

Oxford Street is one of the most busiest streets in the world for tourists and shoppers. And Gaura Purnima is the most important day of the year so it only makes sense to have a Rathayatra festival down this street at peak time. Srila Prabhupada visited Soho street with a view to buying a temple, […]

These two short videos (especially the second) will enliven and inspire you to think about joining this most important service. In the second video, after observing the group of young girls dancing and chanting with total enthusiasm and abandon, you will also notice a young lady with a couple of her friends dancing and chanting […]

These are the notes I used for the Sunday 1pm class given at Bhaktividanta Manor Appearance of Lord Caitanya History 600BC Lord Buddha (Krishna himself) appeared I’m order to stop cow killing by denying the vadas and instead taught the principle of karma and non-violence 788AD Sankaracarya appeared (non other than Lord Siva himself) he […]

I am very happy to learn that you are rendering a nice service to Krishna by cooking for him and distributing prasadam to others. The association of devotees is the only solace for our existence. Letter to: Yadunandana, San Francisco, 26 March, 1968 For those who followed the charts in the 1980’s may recall a […]

Preachers living in ISKCON temples follow this advice daily. They rise early and gather for maṅgala-ārati before the temple Deities, chant kīrtana and japa, hear Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam class, and honor prasādam in the association of devotees. Strengthened by this morning program, they go out to preach in the most materialistic places in the world, offering people […]

About this time here on my blog I write a small summery of the year and my thoughts, this year I was going to give it a miss however whilst reflecting the highs and lows the one thing that has sustained me in devotional life is very caring friendship’s. Reflecting on how if I want […]

Their is always one thing that makes me stop and ponder but also puts me into a little anxiety and that is when asked for advice on spiritual matters especially surrounding japa. Sometimes the individual wants me to validate their actions I’m not doing my round’s but it’s OK here’s my reasons, so it’s not […]

Reading the social media it is always interesting the many different activities devotees get up to including realisation and personal thought’s. This week it was sad to hear of a devotee who collapsed and had to be airlifted to hospital, thankfully this happened on a Sunday so the observer noted how quickly the doctors immediately […]

On the 8th of October 2014 we left the Krishna Balaram Temple for the road to Mathura. 1,300 devotees walking on the Vraj Mandala Parikrama (a one month pilgrimage of the twelve forests of the Vrindavan area), and ourselves the “magnificent seven”, a small international Padayatra team consisting of Dharmatma Prabhu USA, Loka Saranga Prabhu […]

The amazing Food For All feeding the poor team have touched so many lives over the years with a small team of amazing hard working and humble devotees; who reach out and touch so many people with simple wholesome prasadam So when approached by one of the UK dynamic comedians who wanted one thing at […]

Is the BBT just money grabbing always looking for an opportunity to charge? I wonder if like me how many use the eBook or app to access Srila Prabhupada books whilst on the go, do we show due diligence to check the source, or is the cheaper the better and what beats that is free. […]

I am always humbled and amazed at being asked to give class and the compassion of the devotees who overlook my inadequacy and see the good points in what is presented. This time although hours of research was done I forgot to use the Srimad Bhagavatam quotes as I looked deep into the four regulative […]

This year was the third Bridgend Peoples first communities Diwali and as in previous years it was wonderful to be invited to put the whole event on. I remembered how Srila Prabhupada spoke of how we should present Krishna Consciousness so nicely that people will be attracted and before the date was even enounced enquiries […]

Vicaru Das ISKCON Harinam Ruci SB CANTO 1 CHAPTER 1 TEXT 10: O learned one in this iron age of Kali men almost always have but short lives, they are quarrelsome, lazy, misguided, unlucky and above all always disturbed. The devotees of the Lord are always anxious for the spiritual improvement of the general public, […]

The movement inaugurated by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu when He was present five hundred years ago is again being propagated all over the world, and factually we are seeing its practical results. People are being saved, protected and maintained by this Hare Krsna movement. Thousands of followers, especially Western youths, are taking part in this Hare […]

Dear Gurudeva, Please accept my humble obeisances. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada. All Glories to you on this special day of your appearance. Were would I be without the shelter of your lotus feet, were would I be without your guidance and direction, what would I be doing if it wasn’t for your instructions? During […]

There was a massive climate change demo last Sunday in cities around the world. We had the usual mass prasad distribution and Kirtan party, but we also put a music band together which became one of the focus points of the 20,000 strong demonstrators. This is a type of project that I would not recommend […]

It is far better to discharge one’s prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duties perfectly. Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous. BG3.35 Fault finding Quoting scripture is easy, the vedabase makes it even easier to find and […]

A beautiful Sunday September morning and Sri Jagannath comes to Brighton Sea Front pouring his mercy on all those who come along; The Brighton Rathayatra was also accompanied by three of our wonderful Sanyas who’s presence along with leading Kirtan singers supercharged the whole event Here is a small video of the day: Prasadam was […]

Hari Bol to all of our supporters: We are in need of your help in our mission to raise awareness of our work: All you need to do is watch our ad campaign on the following link and click on the like button: our mission is 1 million hits in the shortest time possible and […]

Spam e-mail Earlier on this year I had a small clash of perspective on this my blog I was a little perplexed given that the article that had rattled them most ended in a question to which me being me simply felt they could have replied to. However they did make a small notation which […]

2 wonderful Harinams led by His Grace Sakshi Gopal Prabhu and His Grace Krishna Kirtan Prabhu, this is what makes London the best place in the world to be. CC Antya 3.67: “On this earth there are many living entities,” the Lord said, “some moving and some not moving. What will happen to the trees, […]

So it’s been an interesting week One that has increased my appreciation for the chanting of the holy names of Sri Krishna and the amazing benefits it brings. The Dentist: Yes another visit to the dentist and finally they decided it was safe to go ahead with the extraction of the tooth, they explained the […]

Generally, all conditioned souls in the material encagement are influenced by the mode of passion because every one of them is trying to lord it over the material nature to fulfill his individual desire. But in spite of the individual mode of passion, there is always the chance of being influenced by the other modes […]

The transcendental vibration of hari-nama-sankirtana is imported from the spiritual world. Thus although materialists who are addicted to experimental knowledge and the so-called “scientific method” cannot place their faith in the chanting of the Hare Krsna maha-mantra, it is a fact that simply by chanting the Hare Krsna mantra offenselessly one can be freed from […]

Back in the 70’s and early 80’s whilst I was frequenting the British education system most exams and discussions in class or even class work was set by the use of a few words which ended with a question mark ? The use of this question mark normally required a response either verbally (the one […]

Social media interpretation or misinterpretation? Theirs two ways to read and understand social media but even the smallest posting can lead to conflict. For me however given that all my social media accounts give the right to reply I often scratch my head when someone is upset because they heard via 3 party individuals that […]

Dear Devotees, Please accept my humble obeisances, All glories to Srila Prabhupada. Glastonbury Festival is one of our biggest festivals of the year. People come from from all over the world to experience something new and fresh, and generally go home disappointed, as everything is over priced, and well chewed. Glastonbury used to be the […]

Today was a fabulous day in the Welsh capital Cardiff was Sri Jagannath came and blessed the street’s ending up in Bute Park; here is a small video of the days pastimes for you all to enjoy Hare Krishna

Dear Devotees, Please accept my humble obeisances, all glories to Srila Prabhupada. The month of Kartika (Damodar) is fast approaching and this year will be our 28th Vraj Mandala Padayatra. We have one bullock cart and capacity for 7 devotees, 50,000 books and one month to wander through the twelve forests of Vraj. If you […]

So it’s been a while since I’ve updated on were I’m at in my door to door home gita study and book distribution. Firstly I’m still snowed under with demand although I’ve had to rethink and adjust my approach I was going to go chapter by chapter a systematic study but found it hard to […]

Words are words Thoughts are thoughts Feelings are feelings A viewpoint is that a viewpoint Today we are surrounded by social media each seeking our attention Today we are surrounded by propaganda each reportedly telling the truth Each justifying a position an action Each justifying conflict Their is many commentators many points of view and […]

Whilst at Manchester Rathayatra I was told about a wonderful event that was to happen the following day, made even special as it involved some great devotees who have enhanced and brought great joy to my life due to their smiling lotus face and enthusiasm for Krishna Consciousness. Sadly I found out a little too […]

Dear Devotees, Please accept my humble obeisances, All glories to Srila Prabhupada. Matchless Gifts is looking for a residential devote to preach in London, service include preaching programs, prasad distribution, and keeping the temple in order. your servant Parasuram Das contact me on foodforalluk@gmail.com Photo is off singer/artist Pete Doherty who kindly donated £2,500 last […]

19 July 2014 Cathedral Gardens, Manchester 6th Ratha-yatra festival of chariots Travelling up for the Welsh Valleys in the pouring rain to an even wetter Manchester City Centre to join the local devotees celebrate their 6th Ratha-yatra festival. The cart arrived along with some amazing Prasadam by HG Parsharam Das who arrived at the same […]

On Tuesday I got the opportunity to spend the day on Steep Holm Island in the middle of the Bristol Channel which was used in the defence of the UK during world war 2 and is now a nature reserve. It is nice to get away from the hussle and bussle no work and noise […]